Exercise Frisian Flag

Leeuwarden Air Base
Summary
Airport typeMilitary
OwnerMilitary of the Netherlands
OperatorRoyal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF)
Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu)
LocationLeeuwarden, Netherlands
Built1938
Elevation AMSL1 m / 3 ft
Coordinates53°13′43″N 05°45′38″E / 53.22861°N 5.76056°E / 53.22861; 5.76056
Map
EHLW
Location of Leeuwarden Air Base
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
05/23 2,957 9,701 Asphalt
02/20 1,999 6,559 Asphalt
Source: DAFIF

Exercise Frisian Flag Is a major NATO multinational aerial exercise, held annually at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, over the North Sea and in the skies above the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.

Missions flown during Frisian Flag included defensive and offensive air missions, protection of friendly aircraft and Close Air Support (CAS) strikes. Some missions call for Forward Air Controller units coordinate with fighter elements to attack ground targets. Surface-to-air missile systems enabled realistic exercise scenarios missions.

A combat search and rescue element has been added to recent Frisian Flag exercises. Usually involving the rescue of downed air crew by ground forces with the assistance of fighters and helicopters.